Gen Z Slang List
Explore popular Gen Z slang terms with definitions, examples, and cultural insights. Perfect for marketers, educators, and curious parents.
Cancel Culture
A phenomenon where a person, brand, or concept is “canceled” (boycotted or shunned) due to problematic actions or statements.
Contextual Example:
“After those tweets resurfaced, the internet tried to cancel him—classic cancel culture.”
Synonyms / Related Terms:
- Call-out culture
- Boycott
Alternate Spellings / Variations:
- Cancellation culture
History & Evolution:
Grew out of Twitter’s and Tumblr’s call-out culture in the 2010s. Became mainstream as celebrities and brands faced large-scale social media backlash.
Cultural Relevance:
Symbolizes Gen Z’s collective power online but also sparks debates about accountability vs. mob mentality.
Practical Usage:
- Appropriateness & Tone: Typically serious or cautionary.
- Platform Popularity: Twitter is a hotbed, but it’s seen on all major platforms.
- Trend Status: Ongoing, with ongoing debates about its fairness and consequences.
Dos and Don’ts:
- Do use it to discuss genuine accountability issues.
- Don’t trivialize real harm by labeling every disagreement as cancel culture.
Common Misconceptions:
- That it’s exclusively a Gen Z tactic; older generations also participate.
Example in Pop Culture or Media:
- Many YouTube dramas revolve around “cancel culture” discussions.